Google announces Android 13 (Go edition) for affordable devices

Google introduced Android (Go edition) back in 2017, that powers affordable smartphones with limited storage and memory. Now, the company has unveiled the latest Android 13 (Go edition) mobile operating system with direct software updates, content discoverability, notification permissions, app language preferences, and more features. According to Google, there are currently over 250 million monthly active devices running on the Android (Go edition) operating system.

Direct software updates

Google is bringing Google Play System Updates to affordable smartphones with the release of Android 13 (Go edition). These devices will receive critical security updates regularly via Google outside of the Android software upgrades provided by the manufacturer. Further, it will also ensure fast delivery of important security updates without affecting the storage available on the device. The phone will also remain up to date over time without relying on the phone’s manufacturer for the next software release.

Content Discover feature

With the release of Android 13 (Go Edition), Google is bringing the Discover feature to allow users to view a curated list of articles and other content. Users need to swipe right from the home screen to view the curated list of articles and content.

Material You comes to Android (Go edition)

Android 13 (Go edition) introduces Material You design to let users customize their phone’s color scheme based on the wallpaper. “When you set your wallpaper image, you’ll see four corresponding color schemes to choose from. Besides making for a beautiful home screen, the dynamic coloring helps make your smartphone feel unique to you,” the company explained in a blog post.

Availability

“Our goal with this release is to support more possibilities for the millions of current and future owners of an Android Go device,” says Google. New budget devices with the Android 13 (Go edition) operating system will be available in 2023.